Revealed: Steven Gerrard's first words after leaving Al-Ettifaq after 18 months in charge on £15m-per-year deal

Steven Gerrard has given his first statement since departing Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq. After a brief stint in charge of Aston Villa, Gerrard became one of the highest-profile managerial additions to the Saudi Pro League when he took over at Al-Ettifaq in July 2023. Gerrard's arrival at the Dammam-based club was followed by several high-profile signings including Moussa Dembele, Demarai Gray and former Liverpool midfield duo Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum. Steven Gerrard has released a statement after he departed Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq The former England star leaves the club in the midst of a dismal run of form with just 1 league win in their last 11 games Gerrard arrived at Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth £15million-per-year Despite a disappointing end to his time in charge, Gerrard insisted in a statement following his departure that working in Saudi Arabia had been a 'positive experience' for him and his family. Following Gerrard's departure the club's English language social media accounts paid tribute to the former England midfielder with a 45-second video on social media.